Hopper car and the like



QAMPBELL I uorrza cm .AND ms nu Filed Sept. 12.1924 4 Shaw-sheen v July 12,1927.

IN VEN TOR. A AGYLE CAMPBELL 1:6 ,251 July 12 1927. A. CAMPBELL 35 I HOPPER CAR AND THE mks Filed Sept. 12. 1924 4 awn, 3

uvmvrm Amy/.5 CAMPBELL A TTORNEY July 1 2 1927.

A. CAMPBELL HORPEB 0mm!) THE LIKE Fil p 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. ARGYLE CAMPBELL.

l5 rromv Patented July 12, 1927.

ARGYLE CAMIBEL L, OF CI'IICAGH), ILIIINOI'S, ASSIGTNOR r'o ENTERPRISE RAILWAY I 1,635,251 rafrau'r OFFICE. 1

- EQUIPMENT COMPANY, OF cn'IcAeo, mirrors, A com-cannon or ILLiNots.

nornm can Ania THE 1.11m.

-'. Application Med' September 12, 1924, Serial No 737,348.

This inventionrelates to improvements in hopper cars and the like I An object of my invention is to provide an improved load discharging car, suitable for discharging its entire load either between the rails orto the sides thereof, or partially .to one side and partially tothe other side of the rails.

It is a particular obj-ectot my invention to provide in. a car of the character indicated, auxiliary means on the exterior of the car adapting the car to many diiierent uses, the arrangement being, such that the use of the car in a particular service will not be secured at the sacrifice of efficiency and convenience of its use in other services for which it is adapted.

It is a further object of the invention to simplify the construction of a car of the character described andto provide for increase in strength and lower cost of maintenance and operation.

The invention furthermore consists in the improvements in the parts and devices and in the novel combinations of the parts and devices, herein shown, described and claimed;

In the drawings forminga part ofthis specification, Figure 1 is a top plan view, partly broken away; of a car illustrating hoppers intermediate the sloping end floors with the hopper doors shown in closed position. F igure2 is a side e-levationalview on an enlarged scale of that portion of the car showing two hopper sections as viewed on a line 2 2 of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a vertical transverse, sectional" View corre sponding substantially to the line 3-3 of Figure 2, Figure 1 is a-vertical, transverse, sectional View of a portion of the ear corre sponding. substantially to the line l -4 of Figure 2', the hopper sloping floor sheets being omitted for the purpose of clearness; Figure 5 is a sectional view taken through the cross structure, said section being taken substantially on a line of Figure 4a In said drawings, denote the sides of the car, B B the sloping end walls, and C the center sill construetionwhieh, in the form shownconiplise's aplurality of channel members -40 and a plate'll forming a girder-like structure. Intermediate the sloping end walls, th -car is provided with a hopper section; which as shown, consists of Six hoppers 1), longitudinal-Ly arranged in pairs on each side of the center sill, the

hoppers being separated from each other from the side wall of the car A to the center sill G of the car and is united respectively to the side wall and the center sill as indicated at 13 and 14; The other of said vertical Walls consists of a plate having a vertical. portion 15 and an inclined portion 16 which is flanged upwardly as at 17 and thereby united with the vertical gusset plate 12; Theinclined portion 16 forms a shedding incline between the respective walls. As the transverse structure E is intercepted by the center sill G, a tie member 18 is im corporated which extends across the plane of the center sill and connects the inner ends of the respective plates forming the transverse structure. The tie member 18.i s pref erably in the form of a vertically disposed plate having its lower margin flanged at 19, and is connected to the center sill by said flange as indicated at 20 The vertical plate'portion of the tie member 18 is secured to the flange lZ of the inclined plate as indicated at 21 and to both vertical members of the crossbeam structure E as indicated at 22; In this manner continuity of reinforcement is effected between the side walls of the car and the strain transmitted direct- 1y from the center sill C to the deep side walls A ofthec'a-ri As most clearly shown in Figure}, each hopper is provided with an outer, downwardly and inwardl inclined hopper sheet 23 secured to the sitewa-ll at 24 and an inner, downwardly and outwardg ly inclined hopper sheet 25, said sheets of eachtwo adjacent hoppers D being preferably a unitary structure carried by the center sill C; The remaining portions of each hopper bottom are formed by hinged side dumping: doors F and hinged vcenter dumping doors G, the former being hinged along their upper edges substantially at the-lower edges of thehopper sheets 23, as indicated at 26, the lower edge of the sheet being suitably rigidified by a longitudinally extend ing: member 27. The center dumping doors 6- are hinged along their upper edges sub: stantially alon the bottom edges of {the hopper sheets 25 as indicated at 28. Each pair of doors F-Gfor each hopper when in i the outer sides of the hoppers, are operating shafts 32, adapted to operate the outer set of dumping doors F by means of flexible connections 33, the latter each having one end connected to a winding sheave 34 fixedly mounted on the corresponding shaft 32 and having the other end secured to the door F. The flexible connections are deflected from a straight line path by means of idler sheaves 35 disposed between the Walls of the transverse members of the cross structures E and in alignment with the winding sheaves 34 carried by the shaft 32. Each shaft 32 is carried by hearing brackets and 37 respectively, secured to the side wall of the carand the transverse crossbeams E. The brackets 36 and 37 provide a strong connection between the lower portion of the corresponding side wall A and the cross structure E, inasmuch as the rivets 38 and 39 connecting the respective members are in direct shear.

By reference to Figures 1 and 3, it will be seen that the side doors on opposite sides of the car are operated independently of each other and also independently of the center doors, each shaft 32 being operated by means of a short transversely extending shaft 40 having a worm and gear connection with the shaft 32, as indicated conventionally at 41. Each shaft 40 has an end extended beyond the side of the car and is there provided with suitable ratchet mechanism for operating and locking the same as indicated conventionally at 42. For operating the inner or center dumping doors G, a longitudinally extending shaft 43 is provided, being located between the channels 10 of the center Sill. Fixedly secured to each shaft 43 are a series of sets of winding sheaves 4444 disposed side by side, to which flexible connections 4545, extending in opposite directions, are secured. The connections 45' pass through openings in the center sills and are connected to the doors G of the respective hoppers. Theflexible connections 45 are deflected by idler sheaves 46 mounted within the transverse members E and adjacent to the idler sheaves 35 hereinbefore described. Said sheaves 35 and 46 are carried by a common pivot pin 47 which is supported at its ends by means of brackets 48 disposed on the re spective vertical walls 15 and 12 of the transverse member E. Each flexible connection 33 and 45 is connected to the corresponding door by means of an adjusting eye bolt 49. The shaft 43 is adapted to be operated from a cross-shaft 50 extended beyond the respective sides of the car and has its opposite end portions rotatably mounted in suitable bearings 51; each bearing 51 being carried by a bracket plate 52 depending from the corresponding side wall A of the car. The shaft 50 is adapted to be operated and locked in position from either side of the car. To look the shaft from either-side of the car, a locking means is provided, which means includes a locking shaft 53 for this purpose extending from side to side of the car. Fixed to the shaft 53 near each end thereof and inwardly of the corresponding bracket plate 52 is a wei hted pawl 54 adapted to co-operate with a ratchet Wheel 55 fixed to the corresponding end of the shaft 50. Means for rotating the shaft 50 is provided at opposite ends thereof, as indicated at 56. As shown, each rotating means 56 is dis posed outwardly of the corresponding bracket plate 52.

As the shaft rotating and locking means does not form a part of this invention, the same is not herein shown and described in detail, the same being fully disclosed and claimed in my Patent No. 1,615,796, dated January 25, 1927.

The operating connection between the op erating shaft 50 and the winding shaft 43 preferably consists-of a Worm and gear arrangement shown conventionally in Figures 1 and 3 and indicated by 57 and 58 respectively. The worm and gear 58 are preferably contained in a dust-proof housing 59 disposed between the center sills of the car.

In order to properly divert the ballast or other lading to the desired side of the rail, I have provided diverting members H which extend lengthwise of and beneaththe respective hoppers, one of said directing members preferably being pivotally mounted directly beneath the apex of each hopper. The members H are hinged at each end as indicated at 60 as shown, and hinged intermediately of the ends on hinge brackets 61. The brackets 61 as indicated most clearly in Figures 4 and 5 are secured to angles 161 located between the plates 12 and 15 and suitably secured thereto. It will be noted that the hinge brackets 61 and the angle plates 161 project beyond the lower edges of the doors when closed and that the brackets 61, together with the angle plates 161 secured thereto form spacing members for the walls of the members E. As most clearly shown in Figure 2, adjacent doors of each series of doors F and of each series of doors G are spaced apart longitudinally of the mechanism a distance corresponding to the width of the corresponding transverse beam E, thereby providing ample space for the corresponding hinge members 61. The door braces 31 are continuous for the entire length of the hoppers and the free edges of the doors F and G are supported by the flexible connections 38 and 45 respectively which pass through the hollow structures E, and are spaced from the front and rear ends of each series of doors, whereby the doors at the front and rear ends of the car are supported by overhanging portions of the beams 31 which function as cantilevers. Such a construction eliminates the usual cumbersome pulleys and chains at the ends of the hopper and permits the lengthening of the dumping opening and the locating of the door operating mechanisms at the ends of the hopper portion. As will be noted from Figure 1, the operating mechanism for the center doors is disposed at one end of the hopper portion of the car and the mechanisms for the side doors are disposed at the opposite ends thereof, permitting the operator to conveniently and safely operate the doors and be out or" the path of the discharging material.

The diverting members H as heretofore stated are for the purpose of effectively diverting ballast and as clearly illustrated in Figure 8, the arrangement is such that each member may be maintained in inclined posi tion as shown in full :lines to form a continuation of the corresponding center door G or moved to a position as indicated by dotted lines to form 'a continuation of the corresponding side door F. Each member H is maintained in operative position by sup porting means J, cooperating with the swinging edge thereof, the supporting means being disposed at each end of said member, thereby providing free and unobstructed flow tor the discharging ballast. The free edge of each member H intermediate said supporting means J is enclosed by a beam '62 of bulbous formation which effectively proiects said tree edge from damage :as the car is drawn through the ballast. The beam 62 as shown preferably projects outwardly beyond the surfaces of the inner and outer sides of each member H and is shaped to present a shedding surface and minimize the obstruction to the free flow of ballast. In its preferred form the main body of each member H consists of a metal plate 63 hav-- ing the marginal edges thereof rigidified by flanges 163, thereby presenting a pair shaped member within which is fitted a wooden insert 64?, substantially equal in depth to the said flanges. As will be evident, this construction provides a member, the opposite sides of which are adapted to be used as shedding surfaces. Secured to each end of each beam 62 is a bracket '65. Each bracket 65 is provided with a pair of spaced jaws '66, between which the end link 67 ot the supporting means J is secured by means of pin 68. At each end of the longitudinal hoppers there is provided a transverse beai'n member 69 which extends across the center sill and is secured at its respective ends to the bracket plates 52, which as hereinbefore ointed out also tormsupportin'g members tor the center door operating mechanism. Each transverse member 69 forms the vertical end wall ot the hopper and has ;a flange 70 along its bottom edge, to which a short additional member 71 is secured. The member 71, together with the lower portion vot' the member 69, forms a baffle plate at each end of the swinging member H, thereby forming a chute-like structure which serves to protect the rail from being flooded during ballasting operations. At the opposite ends of each member 71 is a bracket 73, the same being suitably secured .to the member 71 and the lower flange ot the member 69. Each bracket 78 is slotted as most clearly shown in Figure to receive the hook-shaped mem ber 74 of the corresponding flexible support J. The outer brackets 73 are adapted to cooperate with the flexible member J to support the swinging members H in :the position indicated by full lines, and the in ner brackets 73 are adapted to cooperate with the members J to support the swinging members H in the position indicated by dotted lines, in Figure 1.

The disposition of the swinging member H directly below the apex of the hopper and without any intervening member between the same and the lower edge of the hopper door .p erei in: making both the inner and outer doors ;available for simultaneousdumpin-g and thus making use of the entire area of the dump door opening of the car. The large area of door opening thus made available particularly adapts the car dumping coke and similar material of large dimensions.

\Vhile I have herein shown and described what I now consider the preferred manner of carrying out my invention, the same is merely illustrative, and I contemplate all changes andmqdifications that come within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

l i hat I claim is:

1. In a dump car having :a hopper, the combination with a diverting member hinged adjacent the bottom of said hopper, swingable to divert material in different directi of supporting means for the stringing Q of said diverting member. said supporting means being disposed only at the ends of the member; and a beam for the ed 'e or. said member adapted to bridge the d ince between said respective end SHPPOIQS.

2. In a dump car having :a hopper. the combination rvi th :51 d ivertingmember :hi n ged adjacent the bottom of said ihopper; of

lOO

of its ready detachnirent, thereby ll U means for supporting the swinging edge of said member at each end thereof; and a beam fixed relatively to the member extending along the free edge thereof.

3. In a dump car, a shedding member, said member having one edge thereof pivotally supported adjacent its ends and intermediately thereof; spaced supporting means for the free edge of the member; and a stiffening beam on the free edge of said member extending between said supports.

t. In a dump car, a pivotally mounted shedding member adapted to be disposed at an inclination when in operative position; a beam on the swinging edge of said member, said beam projecting outwardly beyond the shedding member proper and constituting a part of the shedding surface.

5. In a dump car having a longitudinally extending hopper, the combination with a transverse wall at each end thereof; of a slotted bracket carried by each of said walls; a diverting member adjacent the lower portion of the hopper, said member being pivotally mounted at each end thereof; supporting means for maintaining the diverting member in an operative position, said means including an element secured at one end to said member, the opposite end of said elen'ient be ing adapted for engagement with the slotted bracket.

6. In a dump car, the combination with a. longitudinal hopper; of a. transversely extending partition adapted to divide the hopper in sections; a door for the hopper, said door being adapted to clear said partition; a hinge bracket carried by the partition and extending downwardly beyond the plane of the door; a swinging diverting member, said swinging member being continuous and extending beneath the various hopper sections; and. means for swingingly mounting said member, including a connection with said hinge bracket.

7. In a dump car, the combination with the sides and center sills; of a longitudinally extending V-shaped hopper disposed between each side and center sill; a transverse hollow structure extending through each hopper, including vertical walls; a spacing member between and secured to the respective walls of the hollow structure; a hinge bracket carried by the spacing member; and a diverting member hinged to the bracket, said diverting member bei ng adapted to be positioned to form an extension of one of the sides of the hopper and to be changed to another position to form an extension of the opposite side of the hopper.

8. In a dump car having sides and center sills; a longitudinally extending V-shaped hopper disposed between each side and center sill; a transverse hollow structure dividing said hopper into sections, including spaced walls, one of said walls bemg vertically disposed and forming a boundary wall defining the opening of a hopper section, said vertical wall being secured to the side of the car and center sills, respectively, and the other of said walls having an inclined extension bridging the space between said walls; and a tie member extending across the center sill and connecting the inner ends of the hollow structures of the respective hoppers.

9. In a dump car, the combination with the sides and center sill; of a longitudinally extending V-shaped hopper disposed between each side and center sill; a supporting structure for each. hopper comprising a pair of aligned gussets respectively secured to the side wall and to the center sill and a tie member extending across the center sill and connecting said gussets, each of said gussets being extended downwardly and constituting a partition dividing the hopper in sections.

it). In a dump car having sides and center sills; a longitudinally extending V-shaped hopper disposed between the side and center sill: a transverse hollow structure dividing said hopper into sections, said structure including spaced walls, one of said walls being vertically arranged and extending downwardly to form one wall defining the open ing of a hopper section, said vertical wall being secured to the side of the car and center sills, and the other of said walls having an inclined extension bridging the space between said walls.

11. In a hopper car, the combination with the side walls and a center sill beam structure; of a cross structure adapted to connect the center sill with the side walls of the car, said structure including vertical gusset plates disposed on the respective sides of the center sill and secured thereto, each of said gusset plates being also secured to its corresponding car side wall; tying means extending across the plane of the center sill and connecting the inner ends of the respective gusset plates to effect continuity of the cross structure; and an inclined shedding member secured to the gusset plates and forming a protective covering for the tying means.

12. In a dump car, the combination with the side walls and the center sill structure; of a gusset plate disposed on the respective sides of the center sill and secured thereto, each of said gusset plates being also extended to and secured to its corresponding side wall; and tying means connecting the inner ends of the gusset plates to effect continuity of reinforcement, said tying means including a vertical plate member and inclined shedding members.

13. In a dump car, the combination with load carrying side walls; of a longitudinally extending center sill girder disposed centrally between said side walls; transversely extending gusset plates adapted to bridge the distance between said center sill girder and the side walls, each of said gusset plates being secured to the one side of the center sill and to its adjacent side wall; a tie plate connecting the inner ends of the respective gusset plates, said tie plate being also socured to the center sill.

14. In a hopper car, the combination with the side walls of the car; of a cross structure extending between the side walls of the car, said structure including transversely aligned gussetplates extending from the respective side walls of the car and a vertical tie member connecting the inner ends of said gusset plates; a center sill structure intercepting said cross-structure centrally of the car, said center sill structure being connected on each side thereof to the respective gusset plates; and inclined shedding members forming a protective covering for the vertical tie member.

15. In a hopper car, the combination with the side walls of the car and a longitudinally extending center sill beam structure; of a cross structure adapted to extend between the side walls of the car and support said center sill structure, said cross structure including gusset plates respectively disposed on the opposite sides of the center sill and secured to the corresponding side walls of the car, said gusset plates being also secured to the center sill structure at the sides of the latter; and means for efiecting continuity of the cross structure including a vertical tie plate and inclined shedding members, said tie plate being disposed above the center sill and connecting the inner ends of the respective gusset plates.

16. In a hopper car, the combination with the side walls and a center sill beam structure; of a structure adapted to support the center sill from the side walls of the car, said structure including vertical gusset members each extending from the upper portion of the corresponding side wall of the car and sloping downwardly to the center sill structure and connected to one side thereof; a tie member disposed above the center sills adapted to connect the inner ends of the respective gusset members and thereby form a continuous beam structure between the respective side walls of the car; and an inclined shedding member secured to the sides of the gusset members intermediate the depth thereof, said inclined shedding member forming a protective covering for the vertical tie plate.

17 In a car having a discharge opening, the combination of a pivoted door adapted to close said opening; of a load-shedding member independent of said door and disposed below the door opening and over which the load is adapted to pass when the door is open, said shedding member having means on its edge, remote from the door opening, for diverting the path of discharge of the load from that which it would otherwise follow when leaving said shedding member.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 8th day of September, 1924:.

, ARGYLE CAMPBELL. 

